Hopscotch Play Guides

About

Description: Treasure Hunt is a feelings memory game designed to teach kids about 16 different feelings words. The goal is to find correct matches and unlock the treasure chest. The game offers three difficulty levels, allowing kids to choose based on their age and skill level.  Games focused on teaching feeling words can help kids expand their feelings vocabulary which allows them to better express themselves during moments of heightened emotions.

This game can also help teach social cues and the importance of being able to identify feelings in others by observing facial expressions and body language.  Each character expressing a feeling is purposefully illustrated in full body to allow the child to observe non-verbal cues related to each feeling.

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Feelings identification, Social awareness, Feelings exploration, Empathy and understanding, Social Skills

Using Treasure Hunt in Session

Explore the 16 Feelings

Prior to playing Treasure Hunt with clients, it can be helpful to review our Feelings with Captain Francis activity also found in the Play category. This activity will cover all of the 16 feelings that are found in Treasure Hunt. These are common feelings experienced by kids, and each one includes a definition and a pirate-themed example.

Getting Started

After a short animated intro that includes Captain Francis and crew explaining the game to kids, you'll land on the menu screen with the three different adventures (levels) for your client to choose.  These include No Man's Isle (Easy - 3x2), Cave of the Unnamed (Medium - 4x3), and the Sea of Sunken Ships (Hard - 5x4).  Clicking on any of these will take you and your client into the level.

Using Treasure Hunt

Treasure Hunt is a memory game and on it's own can help clients learn to identify different feelings words and definitions in a fun way.  As with many of our games, you are able to put your own spin on it! Here are some additional ideas for use:

Take Turns

Treasure Hunt is a game that can be played competitively between provider and client to see who can find the most matches.  Introducing competitive play within session can help clients work on emotional regulation, turn-taking, resilience, coping skills, and flexibility.

Feelings Exploration

Every time the client finds a correct match, to further explore feelings, you can ask them to:

1. Share an example of when they have experienced that feeling before. 

2. Share examples of when they've noticed that feeling in someone else (a friend, family member, fictional character, etc.)

3. Share a reason that might cause someone to experience that feeling

4. Act out the identified feeling word

5. Make up a short story that includes the feeling word

Social Cues

-Use Treasure Hunt to teach clients about social cues (such as facial expression and body language) for different emotions .  For each feeling, you can ask them how they are able to tell a character might be feeling a certain way.   

Playing Treasure Hunt
After clicking into a map, your client can begin playing to try to find matching feeling words. They can flip over each card by clicking directly on the squares to see and hear the feeling word. For each correct match, the cards stay flipped over, but if the match is incorrect, they will turn back over.

Feelings Spotlight

Once all of the matches have been identified, you've cracked the code and found the gold! After a congratulations from Captain Francis, clients are presented with a Feelings Spotlight. This special feature highlights one of the 16 feelings, giving the child a chance to dive deeper and learn more about the selected feeling word.  After the spotlight, clients can choose to play on the same level with a new randomized set of cards, or they can return to the menu to choose a different adventure.

Related Resources

As mentioned earlier, it is helpful to pair this game with our therapeutic activity, Feelings with Captain Francis, which is also found in the Play category.  In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF titled How ARRR You Feeling Today? which is a feelings chart include the 16 feelings and characters found in the Treasure Hunt.  This is a great tool that you can print to send home with a client or send electronically to a caregiver.  The client can put this handout in their room, in a calm down corner, in a folder at school, or anywhere else for when they need a helping hand to calm down and refocus.

About

Summary: Grant navigates his feelings of hurt after friends joke about his glasses, learning to communicate his boundaries and reaffirm friendships.

Synopsis: During a playful day of kite flying, Grant, Francis, and Rowan engage in light-hearted teasing that takes an uncomfortable turn for Grant when jokes about his glasses make him feel self-conscious. After initially deciding to avoid his friends, Grant's conversation with his dad helps him realize the importance of expressing his feelings. A candid discussion with Francis leads to mutual understanding and respect, reinforcing their friendship.

Themes:  The story addresses themes of friendship, communication, sensitivity, and self-awareness. It explores the impact of seemingly harmless jokes on individuals' feelings and underscores the importance of setting personal boundaries. Additionally, it highlights the value of open communication in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening relationships.

Using The Joke in Session

Therapists can use "The Joke" to help children understand the importance of expressing when they feel hurt and how to establish personal boundaries. Role-playing can help children practice how to communicate their feelings and requests respectfully. Discussing the story can also facilitate a deeper understanding of how actions, even unintended, can affect others and the importance of empathy in friendships.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Grant feel about the jokes about his glasses?
    2. What made Grant decide to talk about his feelings with Francis?
    3. How did Grant's dad help him handle his feelings?
    4. Why is it important to let friends know when something bothers you?
    5. How can you handle a situation if a friend's joke makes you uncomfortable?
    6. What are some ways to be a supportive and understanding friend?
    7. How did Grant and Francis resolve their misunderstanding?
    8. What does this story teach us about the impact of our words on others?

About

Summary: Leila encourages children to become brave Food Explorers by trying new foods with a positive mindset.

Synopsis: "Being a Food Explorer" addresses common anxieties children have about trying new foods. By framing the experience as an adventure, Leila encourages bravery and curiosity. The story outlines different food textures and flavors, suggesting that each food is a new adventure. It offers reassurance that it's normal to not like every food and promotes a positive mindset through supportive statements and deep breathing exercises. The involvement of family and friends is highlighted to make the experience more enjoyable.

Themes:  The story emphasizes courage and exploration, encouraging children to see trying new foods as an exciting journey just like Leila does. Positive thinking is promoted, with suggestions for managing anxiety through deep breathing and optimistic thoughts. Support and togetherness are crucial, highlighting the role of family and friends in making the experience more fun. Acceptance and flexibility are also key themes, reassuring children that it's okay not to like every food and encouraging them to try foods multiple times.

Using Being a Food Explorer in Session

Therapists can use "Being a Food Explorer" to help children manage food-related anxieties. By discussing Leila's guide, therapists can explore children's feelings about trying new foods and use role-playing to reinforce positive behaviors. Activities like journaling and family taste tests can be integrated into therapy sessions to provide hands-on experience. This approach helps children build confidence and develop a healthy, adventurous relationship with food.

Discussion Questions:
1. How do you feel when you try new foods?
2. What can you do to make trying new foods more fun?
3. Why is it okay to not like every food you try?
4. How can family and friends help you be a Food Explorer like Leila?
5. Can you think of a time when you tried a new food and liked it?
6. What do you imagine when you think about being a Food Explorer?
7. How does Leila’s story make you feel about trying new foods?
8. What are some foods you are excited to try as a Food Explorer?

Related Resources:
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF called I'm a Food Explorer that allows kids to journal their experiences trying new foods!

About

Summary: Morgan transforms a potentially boring summer into an exciting and creative adventure, discovering joy in art, play, and friendship.

Synopsis: Morgan initially feels down about spending summer break at home instead of being at a camp or beach. Determined to make the most of her time, she devises a plan to fill her days with fun activities. She immerses herself in creative projects, enjoys imaginative play with her little brother, engages in calming activities like reading and walking, and stays connected with friends through calls and playdates. By taking charge of her summer, Morgan turns it into a marvelous and fulfilling experience.

Themes:  The story emphasizes themes of creativity, initiative, family bonding, and the importance of staying connected with friends. It highlights how a positive attitude and proactive approach can transform a seemingly dull situation into a memorable adventure.

Using Morgan's Marvelous Summer in Session

Therapists can use "Morgan’s Marvelous Summer" to help children explore ways to cope with feelings of boredom and isolation. Discussing the story can encourage kids to brainstorm their own creative solutions for staying engaged and happy during breaks or times of uncertainty. It can also reinforce the value of family relationships and maintaining social connections.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Morgan feel at the beginning of her summer break?
    2. What steps did Morgan take to make her summer more enjoyable?
    3. How did involving her little brothers enhance Morgan's summer experience?
    4. Why is it important to stay connected with friends, even during breaks?
    5. What are some activities you enjoy that could make a long break more fun?
    6. How can you use your creativity to turn a boring day into an exciting one?
    7. What did Morgan learn about herself by the end of her summer break?
    8. How can this story inspire you to make the most of your free time?

Related Resources
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find the My Marvelous Summer PDF which encourages kids to write down summer goals including Things I want to do, Places I want to go, People I want to see, and Things I want to learn or try.

About

Description: Our Guided Meditations collection offers a series of calming and focused meditation sessions tailored for children. The library currently includes meditations focused on self-esteem, sleep, a body scan, and emotional regulation. These guided meditations help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional regulation. By leading children through mindfulness practices and visualization techniques, these sessions promote relaxation and mental clarity, contributing to overall emotional well-being.

Using Guided Meditations in Session

Therapists can effectively incorporate guided meditations into therapy sessions to support children's mental health. Start by ensuring the child is comfortable, either sitting or lying down, in a quiet, distraction-free environment. You can use soft cushions or blankets to create a cozy atmosphere. Begin with a brief introduction to the meditation, explaining its purpose and what the child can expect.

Play the guided meditation, encouraging the child to focus on the voice and visualizations. After the session, discuss their experience and feelings, reinforcing the positive effects of mindfulness and relaxation. Adjust the environment and session length based on the child's needs and preferences to ensure a supportive and effective intervention.

About

Summary: Sammie learns to cope with not being a starter on her basketball team, discovering the value of being a supportive teammate.

Synopsis: Sammie, excited about her basketball team's first game, is hopeful to be named a starter but is disappointed when she isn't chosen. Despite her initial sadness, she learns from her coach that being a great player isn't just about starting; it's also about supporting the team in any role. Through encouragement from her coach and friends, Sammie embraces her role, contributes significantly in a crucial game, and realizes the importance of teamwork and positivity, whether on the bench or on the court.

Themes:  The story explores themes of resilience, teamwork, and self-worth beyond personal achievements. It emphasizes the importance of every team member, regardless of their role, and highlights how attitude can influence personal growth and team dynamics. Sammie's journey reflects on dealing with disappointment and finding fulfillment in supporting others, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Using Benchwarmer in Session

Therapists can use "Benchwarmer" to help children deal with disappointment and find value in roles they initially may not appreciate. Discussing Sammie's feelings and her transformation can help children understand that their worth isn't tied to being in the spotlight. Role-playing can be used to practice responding to similar disappointments constructively. Therapists can also encourage children to explore and acknowledge the importance of different roles within a team, enhancing their empathy and appreciation for diverse contributions.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Sammie feel when she wasn't chosen as a starter, and why?
    2. What changed Sammie's perspective about being a starter?
    3. How can being supportive help you and your team?
    4. What does this story teach us about dealing with disappointment?
    5. How can you apply Sammie's experience to your own life or activities?
    6. Why is it important to recognize and value everyone's role in a team?
    7. What are some ways you can support your friends or teammates, even when you're not in the lead?
    8. How did Sammie's attitude towards her role affect her performance and her team's spirit?